Alabama confirms Mario Cristobal is new line coach

By Chase GoodbreadSports Writer

Published: Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 11:41 p.m.

TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama formally announced the hiring of Mario Cristobal as the football program’s new offensive line coach Wednesday. The Tuscaloosa News reported Monday that the 42-year-old Cristobal would replace Jeff Stoutland in the role.

Cristobal had been the tight ends coach at the University of Miami for just five weeks before accepting a position at Alabama. Prior to that, the former Hurricanes offensive lineman spent six years as head coach at Florida International.

“We are very pleased to announce the addition of Mario Cristobal to our staff,” UA coach Nick Saban said. “He has an outstanding reputation as both a coach and a recruiter. He will be a great fit in our organization, and I think our players will respond to his positive attitude and energy. This is a very important hire in terms of working with our offensive line, and we feel fortunate that we were able to hire a coach of Mario’s caliber.”

Cristobal was the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2010 after winning the league title and leading the Golden Panthers to a Little Caesars Pizza Bowl win over Toledo.

“I want to thank Coach Saban and everyone here at the University of Alabama for this incredible opportunity,” said Cristobal, who played at Miami from 1988-92 and coached as a Hurricanes assistant from 2004-06.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama formally announced the hiring of Mario Cristobal as the football program's new offensive line coach Wednesday. The Tuscaloosa News reported Monday that the 42-year-old Cristobal would replace Jeff Stoutland in the role.</p><p>Cristobal had been the tight ends coach at the University of Miami for just five weeks before accepting a position at Alabama. Prior to that, the former Hurricanes offensive lineman spent six years as head coach at Florida International.</p><p>“We are very pleased to announce the addition of Mario Cristobal to our staff,” UA coach Nick Saban said. “He has an outstanding reputation as both a coach and a recruiter. He will be a great fit in our organization, and I think our players will respond to his positive attitude and energy. This is a very important hire in terms of working with our offensive line, and we feel fortunate that we were able to hire a coach of Mario's caliber.”</p><p>Cristobal was the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2010 after winning the league title and leading the Golden Panthers to a Little Caesars Pizza Bowl win over Toledo.</p><p>“I want to thank Coach Saban and everyone here at the University of Alabama for this incredible opportunity,” said Cristobal, who played at Miami from 1988-92 and coached as a Hurricanes assistant from 2004-06.</p>